Alexandre Jacques François Bertrand

Who was Alexandre Jacques François Bertrand?

Alexandre Jacques François Bertrand was a French physician and mesmerist who was a native of Rennes. He was the father of archaeologist Alexandre Bertrand and mathematician Joseph Bertrand. He was also an ally of philosopher Pierre Leroux and the Saint-Simonians.

Bertrand is remembered for his scientific investigations of animal magnetism and somnambulism. In his public lectures on animal magnetism he spoke confidently about the existence of "magnetic fluid", but through experience and reflection he later changed his mind, becoming a leading critic of its existence.

From 1825 to 1830 Bertrand published numerous articles in the progressive journal Le Globe.